How to Log in and Access Ubuntu Server via SSH

When you purchase an Aveshost Linux Virtual Private Server (VPS) or dedicated server, managing your server is done remotely using SSH (Secure Shell). SSH provides an encrypted, authenticated command-line interface that allows you to execute commands, configure software, manage files, and administer your operating system securely from anywhere in the world.

Whether you are using Windows 11/10, macOS, or Linux, accessing your server requires just a few simple steps. In this comprehensive beginner’s guide, we will walk you through connecting to an Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, or Ubuntu 20.04 LTS server via SSH using native terminals, PowerShell, and PuTTY, along with essential first-time setup tips.

Prerequisites

• An active Linux Virtual Private Server (VPS) running Ubuntu (26.04, 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS).
• Your VPS Public IP Address (found in your Aveshost Welcome Email or Client Area dashboard).
• Your SSH username (typically root or ubuntu) and your initial server password (or SSH private key).
• An SSH client (built-in Terminal on macOS/Linux, PowerShell / Command Prompt on Windows, or PuTTY).

Method 1: Connecting via Built-in Terminal (Windows PowerShell, macOS, Linux)

Modern versions of Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux include a built-in OpenSSH client, allowing you to connect directly without installing third-party software.

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

• Windows: Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal or PowerShell (or search for Command Prompt).
• macOS: Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, and press ENTER.
• Linux: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open your system terminal.

Step 2: Run the SSH Connection Command

Type the following command (replace root with your username and YOUR_SERVER_IP with your actual VPS IP address):

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
# OR if your server uses the default 'ubuntu' user:
ssh ubuntu@YOUR_SERVER_IP

Step 3: Accept the Host Key Fingerprint (First Connection Only)

The first time you connect to your server, your computer will display an authenticity warning:

The authenticity of host '107.178.111.179 (107.178.111.179)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:abc123xyz...
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Type yes and press ENTER. This saves the server’s fingerprint to your local known_hosts file so you won’t be prompted again.

Step 4: Enter Your Server Password

When prompted, type your server password and press ENTER:

root@YOUR_SERVER_IP's password: [Enter your password here]

Note: For security reasons, Linux will not show characters or asterisks on the screen as you type your password. Simply type your password accurately (or right-click to paste) and press ENTER.

Upon successful authentication, you will be greeted by the Ubuntu welcome message and command prompt:

Welcome to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (GNU/Linux 6.8.0-generic x86_64)
root@vps:~#

Method 2: Connecting via PuTTY (Windows Alternative)

If you prefer a graphical desktop application on Windows, you can connect using PuTTY:

1. Download and install PuTTY from the official website (putty.org).
2. Launch PuTTY. In the Host Name (or IP address) field, enter your server’s public IP address.
3. Ensure the Port is set to 22 and Connection type is set to SSH.
4. (Optional) Type a name under Saved Sessions (e.g. Aveshost Ubuntu VPS) and click Save to store your connection for future 1-click access.
5. Click Open. When the security alert popup appears, click Accept.
6. In the terminal window, type root (or your username) when prompted with login as: and press ENTER.
7. Enter your password and press ENTER to access your server shell.

Connecting on a Custom SSH Port

If you or your server administrator changed the default SSH port from 22 to a custom port (e.g. 2222) for enhanced security, use the -p flag:

ssh -p 2222 root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

Essential Next Steps After Your First Login

Once you are logged into your Ubuntu server, we strongly recommend completing the following security best practices:

• Update System Packages: Refresh package repositories and apply the latest security patches:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

• Change the Root Password: If you were assigned a temporary password, update it immediately:

  passwd

• Set Up SSH Key Authentication: SSH keys provide cryptographic security that prevents brute-force attacks (see our guide on How to Set Up SSH Keys on Ubuntu Server).
• Configure the UFW Firewall: Block unauthorized ports and protect services (see How to Set Up and Configure UFW Firewall on Ubuntu Server).
• Create a Sudo User: Avoid running day-to-day operations as the root user (see How to Create a Sudo User and Secure an Ubuntu Server).

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Q: Why does the terminal say "Permission denied (publickey,password)"?
A: This error means the password entered was incorrect or password authentication has been disabled in favor of SSH keys. Verify that you are typing the correct password and username.

Q: Why does the connection time out when trying to connect?
A: A connection timeout typically indicates that your VPS is powered off, your server IP address is typed incorrectly, or port 22 is blocked by an external network firewall. Check your VPS status in the Aveshost Client Area.

Q: How do I exit or disconnect from the SSH session?
A: Type exit or press Ctrl + D in your terminal window to safely close the remote connection.

Need Further Assistance?

If you have difficulty accessing your Ubuntu VPS, resetting root passwords, or diagnosing network connection issues, our technical support team is available 24/7. Feel free to submit a support ticket through your client area for prompt, expert guidance.